Things to do in Derby this weekend including afternoon tea at The Dovecote!

TOGETHER WITH

Morning Derby! ☀️ Friday’s here, rocking up like that one mate who’s always late but knows how to make an entrance. The weekend is so close you can almost smell the mulled wine and hear the Mariah Carey. Let’s crack on! 🎄✨

In today’s Local Scoop:

• Unlimited yoga for £20 at Hotpod Yoga

• Afternoon Tea at The Dovecote

• Our scrumptious scoops for the weekend 🍽️

Let’s get to it.

— Local Scoop Derby

SPONSORED BY ONE|DZ GYM IN DARLEY ABBEY

Looking for a gym that understands your fitness journey and offers a supportive, female-friendly environment? ONE|DZ in Darley Abbey has you covered.

Whether you're aiming to build strength, rehabilitate an injury or just clear your head within an encouraging environment, ONE|DZ caters to all your fitness needs.

• Female-friendly environment with a welcoming community

• Flexible membership options to suit your lifestyle

• Top-tier facilities with knowledgeable staff always ready to help

• Numerous coaches and therapists ready to cater to your needs

• Saunas, sunbed and coffee for the more chilled side of life

The gym offers a community-driven atmosphere making you feel at home the moment you step through the door.

Feel free to come and have a session on the house to see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

⏰ Opening Times:
Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

📍Location & Map Directions: North Mill, Darley Abbey Mills, Darley Abbey, Derby, DE22 1DZ

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?

Friday

Charity Day at Needle King Tattoo
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The studio will be hosting a Charity Day, where all proceeds from tattoos and piercings will be donated to a charitable cause, to be decided by clients. Clients can book appointments for small or large tattoos, piercings, or visit the studio to make a donation.
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Go Carolling Day - Middleton Lodge Care Home
10:00 AM
Derby Heights and Middleton Lodge become one to perform festive carols.
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Festive Fuddle for Rebuild East Midlands - The Small Print Company
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join the Festive Fuddle at The Small Print Company this Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, raising funds for Rebuild East Midlands! 🎄 Expect a heart-warming mix of cake sales, a chocolate tombola, and tasty bites like samosas and pakoras. Bring a dish to share, enjoy hot drinks, and help support a great cause fighting modern slavery. RSVP to join in and spread the festive cheer!
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Gaucho Stu Pop Up - 189 Allestree
5:00 PM
A new pop up to Bar 189, Gaucho Stu are serving amazing sounding plates of all things beef! Whether it's a steak sandwich, flat ribs, ragu or loaded fries, or even vegan chilli, they'll have you covered.
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A Night with Elvis - Bob Badwal
7:00 PM
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Saturday

Shining Together at Christmas - Lunar Mind
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A FREE Christmas event dedicated to supporting individuals in need and promoting self-care during this festive time.
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Giant Snow Globe - St Peter's Church
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Create Enchanting Christmas Memories in a Giant Snow Globe! Step inside the globe to capture the perfect Christmas photo, complete with a festive backdrop. Don't forget to bring a friend or family member to take the picture!
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Meet & Greet Santa - The Crescent
1:00 PM
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Cinderella - Derby Arena
1:00 PM
Featuring sparkling sets, fabulous frocks, side splitting slapstick and not one, but two outrageous dames, this is an unmissable treat for the whole family.
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Over 30's Day Club - Christmas Special - Popworld
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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A Night with the Stars – Rick Sheehan’s Christmas Cracker
8:00 PM
Get ready for a night of festive laughs and entertainment as award-winning comedian and vocalist Rick Sheehan takes the stage at Ye Olde Spa Inne! This Christmas Special promises funny impressions, brilliant vocals, and plenty of festive cheer to get you in the holiday spirit.
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SoulDeep - Derby Quad
9:00 PM
SoulDeep Soul & Funk Christmas Spectacular at QUAD is a musical and dancing feast for the senses that will get you right into the Christmas musical mood! This event features the UK’s Greatest Soul Voice – Jamie Joseph. SoulDeep will perform classic pieces by all of the legendary greats including: Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Donny Hathaway, The Fatback Band, McFadden & Whitehead, Teddy Pendergrass and many, many more! Come and dance the night away to the sounds of great live music in this must not miss event!
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Sunday

Santa Paws - The Farmhouse Mackworth
9:00 AM
A planned route starting and ending at The Farmhouse. A small donation of £2 per dog, which will go to The Ark rescue centre, Ashbourne. Prizes for waggiest tail and best dressed pup!
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Santa Paws - Kings Corner Oakwood
9:30 AM
Bring your Dog to visit Santa Claus £5 per ticket and treats included with photo opportunities. Breakfast will be available for Puppy parents!
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Beginner’s Photography Class - River Gardens
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Ready to learn more about your camera and get out of automatic exposure? Now is your chance! Learn about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and how these settings affect your exposure.
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Drivers HQ Christmas Special - Jubilee Business Park
6:00 PM
Join the Drivers HQ Christmas Special this Friday at Jubilee Business Park for a festive car meet like no other! 🎄 Deck your car with lights, dress to impress for the Best Dressed Competition, and enjoy food, drinks, and epic giveaways.
Learn More

Chilled Sounds at The Nordic Bar - Derby Market Place
7:00 PM
Unwind before the big Christmas rush with an evening of enchanting live music and laid-back vibes at The Nordic Bar.
Learn More

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

🍰 Posh Scones and Fancy Cakes at The Dovecote! 🫖
📍 - Morley Hayes, Main Road, Morley, DE7 6QA
⏰ - Thursday – Saturday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (opening hours may vary in December)
📷 - @morleyhayes

If you’re after a bit of indulgence this festive season, The Dovecote’s Afternoon Tea is just the ticket. Picture dainty sandwiches (cut to perfection), warm scones piled high with clotted cream and jam, and cakes so fancy they’d make Mary Berry blush. Feeling extra fancy? Add a glass of fizz—Prosecco, Champagne, or a sparkling rosé for that proper celebratory vibe. It’s the perfect way to avoid the Christmas shopping stress. Gift vouchers are available, so you can buy brownie points now and worry about wrapping them later.

A Slice of Indulgence at Brooks Deli & Wine Bar 🧀🍷🥂
📍- 8a The Courtyard, Ockbrook, DE72 3RF
⏰ - Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
⏰ - Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
⏰ - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📷 - @brooksdeliandwines

Looking for a place that offers cheese boards, handpicked wines, and that chic ambience you’ve been craving? Say hello to Brooks Deli & Wine Bar, a hotspot tucked away in the charming village of Ockbrook. Whether you’re in for a cosy brunch, afternoon charcuterie with friends, or a sophisticated evening with premium wine, Brooks has got you covered.

BIZ BITE OF THE WEEK

Stretch, Sweat, and Find Your Zen at Hotpod Yoga! 🔥
📍 - Perkins Yard, Mansfield Road, DE21 4AW
📅 - Open 7 days a week | Special classes Saturday 21st December
🎟️ - Festive Pass: Unlimited yoga for £20 (until 31st December)
📷 - @hotpodyoga_derby

Feeling frazzled by Christmas chaos? Escape to Hotpod Yoga, where their heated pods will melt away the stress of gift shopping and mince pie overindulgence. Whether you’re a bendy yoga pro or someone who thinks “child’s pose” is a nap, there’s a class for you. With everything from energising flows to soothing sound workshops, you’ll leave feeling like a festive Zen master.

Why not try something new? Whether you're looking to reset your body or simply dodge the Christmas crowds, Hotpod Yoga offers a welcoming, immersive experience to leave you feeling as fresh as the first snowfall. Check out their studio and take a breather—you deserve it!

ACTIVITY ALLEY

👟 A Sunday Stroll with Girls Who Hike and Hang 🌳
📍 - Elvaston Castle, Borrowash Road, Derby, DE72 3EP
📅 - Sunday 22nd December
⏰ - Meet at 12:30 PM outside Wyatt’s Café for a coffee | Walk starts at 1:00 PM
📷 - @girlswhohikeandhang

Looking to stretch your legs and meet some lovely new faces? Girls Who Hike and Hang are hosting their very first meet-up at Elvaston Castle this Sunday. Grab a coffee at Wyatt’s Café, then join the gang for a relaxed walk around the grounds. It’s the perfect way to shake off the festive stress and make some new pals in the process. Whether you’re a seasoned rambler or just fancy a bit of fresh air, this one’s for you!

🎷 Clark Tracey’s Jazz Champions 🎵
📍 - Derby Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, DE1 3AF
📅 - Friday 20th December
⏰ - 8:00 PM
🎟️ - Tickets: £15 | Students & Under 18s: £10 | Accompanied children: Free
📷 - @derby.jazz

Master drummer and bandleader Clark Tracey is bringing his outstanding quintet to Derby this Friday for a night celebrating the legendary music of his late father, Stan Tracey. Expect jazz masterpieces like "Under Milkwood" performed by a top-tier lineup, including award-winning saxophonists Simon Allen and RJ Gilbert, the incredible pianist David Newton, and double bassist Andrew Cleyndert.

Whether you're a die-hard jazz enthusiast or fancy dipping your toes into something new, this one’s not to be missed. Grab your tickets online or on the door and let the music transport you!

FRESH EXPERIENCES

Matlock Christmas Market – Festive Fun for Everyone
📅 - Saturday 21st December - Sunday 22nd December
⏰ - 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍- Hall Leys Park, Crown Square, Matlock

Get ready for a proper festive blowout at Matlock’s Christmas Market! With over 150 stalls, live music, a roller-skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, snow machines, and even Elvis & Taylor Swift tribute acts, there’s something for everyone. Throw in fairground rides, mulled wine, and fire breathers, and you’ve got the ultimate Christmas weekend. Don’t miss it! 🎅✨

🎄 Christmas at Calke Abbey
📅 - Friday 20th to Monday 23rd December
⏰ - 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
📍- Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7LE
🎟️ - Tickets available online – visit Calke Abbey’s website
📷 - @ntcalkeabbey @curly_magpie

Fancy a festive day out with a bit of sparkle? Calke Abbey’s got it all – dazzling lights, nature-inspired decorations, and even tunnels to explore after dark. Grab some pigs in blankets in the Stableyards, browse the market for last-minute pressies, and try not to bump into Father Christmas and Mrs Claus (they’re everywhere). It’s Christmassy vibes with a Calke twist – perfect for the family!

LIVE MUSIC

Friday

• Sing Christmas - Derby Cathedral - 12:45 PM

• Far Away Cows - Meadow Road - 4:00 PM

• Festive Friday Beats Dorothy Ella & Cassette Roulette Live - Nordic Bar - 6:00 PM

• A Very Infirm of Purpose Christmas - The Victoria Inn - 6:30 PM

• Mick Moonshine - Holly Dolly Christmas - 7:00 PM

• Mad Friday Karaoke Night - The Jonty Farmer - 7:00 PM

• Ourkid Oasis Tribute - Dubrek Studios - 7:00 PM

• Clark Traceys Jazz Champions - Museum of Making - 7:30 PM

• The Double 2s Band Live - The Old Talbot Hilton - 7:30 PM

• Last Resort Nu Metal Tribute - Hairy Dog - 8:00 PM

• The Modest - Bembridge Drive - 8:45 PM

• Ultimate Coldplay - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM

Saturday

• Rockmageddon - Hairy Dog - 4:00 PM

• Martin Gregory Live - Spondon Liberal Club - 5:00 PM

• Joey Greener & Cassette Roulette Live - Nordic Bar - 6:00 PM

• Gerry Cinnaman & Noel Gallaghers High Flying Carpets - The Venue - 7:00 PM

• Blind Aces - The Needles Pub - 8:45 PM

• Live at Chaddesden Jubilee Club - 9:00 PM

• Clampdown UK - Live at The White Horse - 9:00 PM

• Live Entertaintment 5 Heads Xmas Special - 9:00 PM

• Duran Duran Experience - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM

Sunday

• Skarantinos - The Smithfield - 4:00 PM

• Chilled Sounds at The Nordic Bar - 7:00 PM

• All About Everything Live - Half Moon Inn - 8:00 PM

• Fleetwood Bac - Flowerpot - 9:00 PM

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday
9°C 🌡️ 6°C | Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning.

Saturday
12°C 🌡️ 1°C | Light showers changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime.

Sunday
6°C 🌡️ 3°C | Light showers changing to partly cloudy by early evening.
Temperature readings taken from the Met Office the night before publication

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